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Honoree Richard Erickson, Founding Officer of W.E. O’Neil Construction of California and Chief Executive Officer & President of O’Neil Industries (2002-2012), is a respected leader in the construction industry and an avid art collector. He and his colleagues at W.E. O’Neil have utilized their construction expertise to help with the Museum’s critical building renovations. As he enters semi-retirement, Rich has expanded his role at the Museum, becoming its President of the Board of Trustees, which will undoubtedly ensure the Museum’s success.

Previously, Rich served on the board of several arts institutions and established the Everly Blossom and Carey Erikson Alumni Dance Award endowment at the University of Illinois. While studying civil engineering Rich became a star football player for the Fighting Illini. He recently received the University of Illinois’ Varsity “I” Association Achievement Award, the highest honor bestowed on a letter winner for post-graduate accomplishments.

Clare Graham
After earning an MFA in sculpture from the California State University, Long Beach, artist-honoree Clare Graham worked for 25 years at Disneyland starting out as costume-wearing Disney character and eventually becoming a Senior Designer. In addition to designing Disneyland parade extravaganzas, Clare designed and directed innumerable high-profile events including 10 Super Bowl half-time shows.

In 1993 he made the full-time commitment to his own studio practice and has exhibited work at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, National Design Museum, the Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery, and the Oakland Museum of California. Inspired by his love of craft, Clare’s sculptures reflect his ideas about accumulation and process. His Mor York gallery in Highland Park supports and encourages non gallery-represented artists and facilitates exchange with the Highland Park community.

Clare’s work will be exhibited at CAFAM starting September 14, 2014. Clare Graham & MorYork: The Answer is Yes highlights nearly 40 years of Graham’s obsessive collecting habits integrated into a rich process of art production.